D-backs secure thrilling NL championship, set sights on World Series glory
25.10.2023 posted by Admin
In an exciting turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged victorious in the National League, marking their second championship in franchise history and the first since 2001. The D-backs triumphed over the Philadelphia Phillies in a thrilling Game 7 of the Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park, with the final score being 4-2 in favor of Arizona. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the D-backs staged a remarkable comeback after falling behind 2-0 and 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Their next challenge is to face the Texas Rangers in the upcoming World Series, which commences this Friday.
From the very beginning of Game 7, it was evident that the action would be intense, and tension would run high. The D-backs wasted no time, scoring four runs early in the game. The Arizona bullpen then displayed its prowess by keeping the Phillies from adding to their score for the final five innings. The key to the D-backs' success boiled down to their execution, which outshone the Phillies. This victory marked their second elimination game win on the road in as many days.
Now, let's delve into the highlights of Game 7 and the pivotal moments of Arizona's pennant-clinching triumph.
Throughout the first six games of the NLCS, Corbin Carroll, a strong contender for the NL Rookie of the Year, struggled at the plate, managing only three hits in 23 at-bats, a batting average of just .130, and failing to steal a base despite his impressive regular season record of 54 steals in 59 attempts. However, in Game 7, Carroll finally found his offensive groove, becoming the standout player of the match. Against the left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, he went 3 for 4, hitting three singles and successfully stealing two bases, both of which directly contributed to the D-backs' runs.
Notably, Carroll's fifth-inning single tied the game at 2-2, driving in Emmanuel Rivera. He then stole second base, setting the stage for Gabriel Moreno's single to right, which ultimately secured the game-winning run. Carroll's adjustments in his approach and mechanics paid off, leading to his offensive breakthrough.
In the seventh inning, Carroll added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly against José Alvarado, a remarkable feat given that Alvarado was known for his ability to strike out hitters in two-strike counts. Carroll's performance in Game 7 marked a historic achievement as the first player ever to record three hits and two stolen bases in a Game 7, joining a select group of rookies who accomplished similar feats in postseason games.
In the grand scheme of things, the Phillies struggled to generate enough offense from players other than Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, and Kyle Schwarber. These three hitters combined for a batting average of .304, with 21 hits, including five doubles, seven home runs, and 11 RBI in the NLCS. In contrast, the rest of the Phillies lineup underperformed, with a batting average of .197, 30 hits, six doubles, four home runs, and 16 RBI.
The Phillies had their chances in Game 7 but were unable to capitalize. A pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Brandon Pfaadt issued an unintentional intentional walk to Brandon Marsh, loading the bases to face the ninth hitter, Johan Rojas, whom he struck out on four pitches.
In the seventh inning, D-backs lefty Andrew Saalfrank issued walks to Cristian Pache and Kyle Schwarber, gifting the Phillies two baserunners. However, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper's outs kept the Phillies from scoring with runners in scoring position. Their struggles were encapsulated by J.T. Realmuto's single in the fourth inning, which failed to drive in Bryson Stott from third base.
While players like Alec Bohm and Stott did contribute with a solo homer and an RBI double, it was ultimately insufficient to turn the tide. Despite the pressing need for an offensive spark, Manager Rob Thomson stuck with his lineup, highlighting its strong performance throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Phillies, their offensive prowess faded away as the series concluded.
Ketel Marte, who earned the NLCS MVP title, extended his postseason hitting streak to 16 games. This accomplishment not only solidified his reputation as a star but also established a new record for the longest hitting streak at the beginning of a postseason career in baseball history. Marte now ranks fourth on the list of the longest hitting streaks in postseason history.
With a batting average of .387 in the NLCS, Marte proved to be a vital asset to the D-backs, delivering three doubles and a triple. His overall postseason performance showcased impressive statistics, with a batting line of .358/.382/.605 in 12 games. Alongside Yordan Alvarez, Marte emerged as one of the standout players in the October playoffs, and he has the opportunity to extend his hitting streak to at least 20 games in the upcoming World Series.
Despite a regular season where they won only 84 games, ranking as the third-lowest win total for a pennant-winning team in a non-strike, non-pandemic season, the D-backs defied the odds and clinched a spot in the World Series. Only the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals (83 wins) and 1973 New York Mets (82 wins) reached the World Series with fewer regular-season wins than this year's D-backs. Their journey to the Fall Classic involved accumulating nine victories in October. They are set to face the Texas Rangers when the World Series kicks off at Globe Life Field this Friday. The D-backs' remarkable postseason run has solidified their status as a formidable contender for the championship.
From the very beginning of Game 7, it was evident that the action would be intense, and tension would run high. The D-backs wasted no time, scoring four runs early in the game. The Arizona bullpen then displayed its prowess by keeping the Phillies from adding to their score for the final five innings. The key to the D-backs' success boiled down to their execution, which outshone the Phillies. This victory marked their second elimination game win on the road in as many days.
Now, let's delve into the highlights of Game 7 and the pivotal moments of Arizona's pennant-clinching triumph.
Corbin Carroll's Bat Comes to Life
Throughout the first six games of the NLCS, Corbin Carroll, a strong contender for the NL Rookie of the Year, struggled at the plate, managing only three hits in 23 at-bats, a batting average of just .130, and failing to steal a base despite his impressive regular season record of 54 steals in 59 attempts. However, in Game 7, Carroll finally found his offensive groove, becoming the standout player of the match. Against the left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, he went 3 for 4, hitting three singles and successfully stealing two bases, both of which directly contributed to the D-backs' runs.
Notably, Carroll's fifth-inning single tied the game at 2-2, driving in Emmanuel Rivera. He then stole second base, setting the stage for Gabriel Moreno's single to right, which ultimately secured the game-winning run. Carroll's adjustments in his approach and mechanics paid off, leading to his offensive breakthrough.
In the seventh inning, Carroll added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly against José Alvarado, a remarkable feat given that Alvarado was known for his ability to strike out hitters in two-strike counts. Carroll's performance in Game 7 marked a historic achievement as the first player ever to record three hits and two stolen bases in a Game 7, joining a select group of rookies who accomplished similar feats in postseason games.
Challenges for the Phillies' Offense
In the grand scheme of things, the Phillies struggled to generate enough offense from players other than Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, and Kyle Schwarber. These three hitters combined for a batting average of .304, with 21 hits, including five doubles, seven home runs, and 11 RBI in the NLCS. In contrast, the rest of the Phillies lineup underperformed, with a batting average of .197, 30 hits, six doubles, four home runs, and 16 RBI.
The Phillies had their chances in Game 7 but were unable to capitalize. A pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Brandon Pfaadt issued an unintentional intentional walk to Brandon Marsh, loading the bases to face the ninth hitter, Johan Rojas, whom he struck out on four pitches.
In the seventh inning, D-backs lefty Andrew Saalfrank issued walks to Cristian Pache and Kyle Schwarber, gifting the Phillies two baserunners. However, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper's outs kept the Phillies from scoring with runners in scoring position. Their struggles were encapsulated by J.T. Realmuto's single in the fourth inning, which failed to drive in Bryson Stott from third base.
While players like Alec Bohm and Stott did contribute with a solo homer and an RBI double, it was ultimately insufficient to turn the tide. Despite the pressing need for an offensive spark, Manager Rob Thomson stuck with his lineup, highlighting its strong performance throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Phillies, their offensive prowess faded away as the series concluded.
Ketel Marte's Remarkable Hitting Streak
Ketel Marte, who earned the NLCS MVP title, extended his postseason hitting streak to 16 games. This accomplishment not only solidified his reputation as a star but also established a new record for the longest hitting streak at the beginning of a postseason career in baseball history. Marte now ranks fourth on the list of the longest hitting streaks in postseason history.
With a batting average of .387 in the NLCS, Marte proved to be a vital asset to the D-backs, delivering three doubles and a triple. His overall postseason performance showcased impressive statistics, with a batting line of .358/.382/.605 in 12 games. Alongside Yordan Alvarez, Marte emerged as one of the standout players in the October playoffs, and he has the opportunity to extend his hitting streak to at least 20 games in the upcoming World Series.
Arizona's Surprise World Series Appearance
Despite a regular season where they won only 84 games, ranking as the third-lowest win total for a pennant-winning team in a non-strike, non-pandemic season, the D-backs defied the odds and clinched a spot in the World Series. Only the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals (83 wins) and 1973 New York Mets (82 wins) reached the World Series with fewer regular-season wins than this year's D-backs. Their journey to the Fall Classic involved accumulating nine victories in October. They are set to face the Texas Rangers when the World Series kicks off at Globe Life Field this Friday. The D-backs' remarkable postseason run has solidified their status as a formidable contender for the championship.